GUIDE · STARTUP VISA
Japan’s Startup Visa: all programs
スタートアップビザ（外国人起業活動促進事業）Up to two years to prepare before Business Manager
With the Business Manager rules now much stricter, the Startup Visa gives founders time: up to two years to prepare, with support from an approved city or prefecture.
Stay
Up to 2 yrs
To prepare the business
Programs
25
Approved by METI
Status
Designated
Activities, then Business Manager
Varies by
Area
Fields and documents differ
How it works
- 01
Pick an approved program 実施団体
A city, prefecture or private organization approved by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, where you will start the business.
- 02
Submit your plan 起業準備活動計画
The program checks whether you can meet the Business Manager requirements in time, often with expert advice.
- 03
Get the confirmation certificate 確認証明書
Then apply to the regional immigration bureau, usually within 3 months.
- 04
Prepare your business 起業準備
Under the Designated Activities status, with regular check-ins with the program.
- 05
Move to Business Manager 経営・管理
Once you meet the requirements — see Business Manager visa.
Business fields, documents and the length of each stay differ by program. Most require documents in Japanese, though some accept English.
Approved programs
List as published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. New programs are added over time.
Tips
- Choose the area where you will really run the business — the program supports and checks you there
- Read the program’s target fields first; some exclude ordinary retail, trading or restaurants
- Prepare proof of where you will live and how you will pay your living costs for the first year
- Plan how you will meet the ¥30 million capital, staff and Japanese rules within the period — see Japanese for business owners
FAQ
What is the startup visa in Japan?
A program where an approved city, prefecture or organization confirms your business plan, so immigration can let you stay up to two years to prepare a business before you meet the Business Manager requirements.
Which cities in Japan offer a startup visa?
Twenty-five programs are approved, including Tokyo, Shibuya, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sapporo (Hokkaido), Sendai, Nagoya (Aichi), Kobe (Hyogo), Hiroshima and Okinawa.
Can I use the startup visa for a restaurant or shop?
It depends on the program. Many focus on technology and innovation, and some exclude ordinary retail, trading or restaurants. Check the target fields on the official page.
Sources
- Startup Visa (外国人起業活動促進事業) and approved organizations — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
- Startup Visa — English — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?
Talk to an English-speaking expert
Gyoseishoshi who help founders with Startup Visa and Business Manager applications — in English.
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Japanese lessons
- Coworking spaces
- Company setup